everox proves the strength of circular concrete in living lab tests

IJmuiden, Netherlands – 18.09.2025 – everox has achieved a milestone that marks both a technical breakthrough and a vision for the future of construction. At the Living Lab on the South Pier in IJmuiden, an initiative led by Rijkswaterstaat, everox concrete test blocks demonstrated a compressive strength of 52.3 MPa after 28 days.

This performance surpasses expectations and meets the demanding C40/50 strength class.

More than a number, this result affirms that concrete made from recycled materials can equal conventional mixes. It shows that material strength and sustainability can be achieved at the same time — a decisive step towards a construction sector that builds without compromise.

The blocks tested in IJmuiden were designed with a clear purpose: to demonstrate that recycled materials can deliver real performance. By replacing all coarse aggregates with recycled material, reclaiming half of the fine aggregates, and substituting up to 30 percent of the cement with everox SCM — a recycled and activated cement paste made entirely from concrete waste — demolition debris was transformed into high-performance building material. The results are tangible and measurable, meeting industry standards and sustainability requirements for construction materials.

The Living Lab provides a harsh testing ground. Installed directly on the South Pier of Ijmuiden, the everox blocks are continuously exposed to saltwater, tidal forces, and freeze–thaw cycles. Over the coming years, their durability will be closely monitored to confirm long-term resilience in real-world conditions.

For everox, this is not just a technical trial but a commitment to transparency and trust: to demonstrate, under scrutiny, that sustainable materials can stand where they are most needed — in the demanding environments of tomorrow’s infrastructure.

The tests confirm that everox SCM can replace a significant amount of cement without compromising performance. Substituting up to 30 percent of cement with everox SCM directly reduces CO₂ emissions, while using recycled aggregates diverts construction waste from landfills and keeps materials in local cycles. Each ton of cement replaced corresponds to a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and each block made from recycled materials contributes to a more circular construction process. These results demonstrate that low-carbon, high-performance concrete solutions are technically viable and ready for practical implementation in the construction sector.

everox materials are made entirely from waste concrete, eliminating the need for virgin raw materials and minimizing transport distances. They meet established quality standards and can be reused in the same places where demolition occurs.